T20 World Cup: India Knocked Out As New Zealand Thump Afghanistan

Abu Dhabi: Team India have been knocked out of the T20 World Cup.

Virat Kohli’s men were not in action on Sunday, but New Zealand’s comprehensive 8-wicket win over Afghanistan sounded the death knell for the men in blue.

India jeopardised their chances of qualifying for the semifinals after losing their first two matches against Pakistan and New Zealand. Thereafter, they were left depending on other results.

India needed Afghanistan to shock New Zealand today and, then, victory against Scotland on Monday would have ensured a passage to the knockout rounds. But there was to be no miracle at Abu Dhabi.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan were rocked by New Zealand’s experienced pace duo of Trent Boult (3/17) and Tim Southee (2/24). Najibullah Zadran played a lone hand, scoring a fine 73 off 48 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes, but he hardly got any support as Afghanistan managed a modest 124 for 8.

New Zealand were never in trouble, with skipper Kane Williamson and Devon Conway remaining unbeaten with 40 and 36, respectively.

Scores: Afghanistan 124/8 in 20 overs. New Zealand 125/2 in 18.1 overs.

Result: New Zealand won by 8 wkts.